Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy For Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common problem that can make simple tasks like reaching, lifting, or even sleeping difficult. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but its range of motion makes it more prone to injuries and overuse issues. Whether your pain comes from a sports injury, poor posture, or wear-and-tear conditions, addressing it early can help prevent long-term problems.
Physiotherapy can help identify the source of your shoulder pain and restore your strength, mobility, and function so you can get back to your daily activities without discomfort.
Sub-Conditions
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild strains or tendinitis to partial or full-thickness tears. These injuries often occur due to repetitive overhead activities, sudden trauma, or degenerative changes with age. They are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, especially in athletes, laborers, and older adults.
Additional How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Shockwave Therapy: Can be effective in cases of chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy to stimulate healing and break down scar tissue.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Helps release trigger points and reduce muscle tension contributing to pain and dysfunction.
- Education: Teaching proper lifting and overhead mechanics to reduce stress on the rotator cuff during daily activities or sports.
- Progressive Strengthening: Programs that focus on functional strength, including eccentric exercises, to restore shoulder stability and prevent re-injury.
- Prevention Strategies: For individuals at risk of repetitive strain, we provide tailored exercise programs to build resilience and avoid future issues.
Shoulder Impingement
What It Is
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched or irritated as they pass through the space between the shoulder blade and arm bone. It often results from repetitive overhead motions, poor posture, or muscle imbalances. Symptoms include pain with lifting or reaching overhead, weakness, and reduced range of motion.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Postural Correction: Improving shoulder alignment to create more space in the joint.
- Manual Therapy: Releasing tight muscles and improving joint mobility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Focusing on scapular stabilization and rotator cuff muscles.
- Education: Teaching proper movement patterns to avoid impingement.
- Shockwave Therapy: Beneficial for cases with chronic tendinitis to promote healing and alleviate pain.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Reduces tension in tight muscles around the shoulder and improves movement patterns.
ACJ sprains
What It Is
An AC joint sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting the clavicle (collarbone) to the acromion (shoulder blade) are stretched or torn, often due to a fall or direct impact. This injury is common in contact sports or accidents and can cause localized pain, swelling, and difficulty lifting the arm.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Pain Management: Using ice and manual therapy to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Gradual Strengthening: Building strength in the shoulder and surrounding muscles.
- Joint Stability Work: Exercises to improve stability and support for the AC joint.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Useful for managing pain and releasing tension in surrounding muscles compensating for the injured joint.
- Activity Guidance: Advice on returning to sports or work safely.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
What It Is
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by stiffness, pain, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually over time and is more common in individuals with diabetes or those who have had prolonged shoulder immobilization. Frozen shoulder progresses through three phases:
- Freezing Phase: Increasing pain and gradual loss of movement.
- Frozen Phase: Stiffness persists, limiting mobility, though pain may decrease.
- Thawing Phase: Movement begins to return, and function improves.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Manual Therapy: Gentle techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Stretching Programs: Focused on restoring range of motion as the shoulder progresses through each phase.
- Strengthening Exercises: Building shoulder and upper back strength to support recovery.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Helps release tight shoulder muscles and improve movement patterns.
- Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates healing and reduces chronic stiffness in cases with persistent restrictions.
- Education: Teaching strategies to maintain mobility and manage symptoms throughout the recovery process.
Shoulder Dislocations and Instability
What It Is
Shoulder dislocations occur when the head of the arm bone comes out of its socket, often due to trauma or sports injuries. Shoulder instability can develop after repeated dislocations, leaving the joint feeling loose or unstable. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and apprehension during certain movements.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Joint Stabilization Exercises: Strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to keep the shoulder in place.
- Manual Therapy: To restore normal joint mechanics and reduce pain.
- Functional Training: Preparing the shoulder for specific activities or sports.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Can help alleviate tension in muscles that have overcompensated due to instability.
- Education: Teaching safe movement patterns to prevent recurrence.
Labral Tears (SLAP or Bankart Lesions)
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, providing stability. Labral tears can occur due to trauma, repetitive stress, or overuse. Common types include SLAP tears (superior labrum) and Bankart lesions (anterior labrum). Symptoms include deep shoulder pain, clicking or catching, and instability.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Strengthening Exercises: Focusing on rotator cuff and scapular muscles to support the joint.
- Manual Therapy: Improving joint mobility and reducing compensatory issues.
- Postural Training: Addressing imbalances to reduce stress on the labrum.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Addresses tightness in surrounding muscles, helping reduce pain and improve joint movement.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Safely progressing to sports or functional tasks.
Biceps Tendonitis
What It Is
Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder. It is often caused by overuse, repetitive lifting, or poor mechanics. Symptoms include pain at the front of the shoulder, tenderness, and discomfort with overhead activities.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Manual Therapy: To relieve tension and improve mobility in the shoulder.
- Stretching and Strengthening: Addressing imbalances in the shoulder and arm.
- Activity Modifications: Reducing strain on the tendon during daily or sports activities.
- Postural Training: Improving alignment to prevent further irritation.
- Shockwave Therapy: Effective in chronic cases to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
- IMS/Dry Needling: Releases tension in the biceps and shoulder muscles to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
Get shoulder pain treatment now!